Features more than 150 tutorials and complete references detailing all primitives, modifiers, materials, maps, and controllers

In Detail

Kelly L. Murdock's Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 Complete Reference Guide is a popular book among users new to 3ds Max and is used extensively in schools around the globe. The success of this book is found in its simple easy-to-understand explanations coupled with its even easier to follow tutorials. The tutorials are laser focused on a specific topic without any extra material, making it simple to grasp difficult concepts. The book also covers all aspects of the software, making it a valuable reference for users of all levels.

The Complete Reference Guide is the ultimate book on 3ds Max, and like Autodesk’s 3D animation software, it just gets better and better with each release. Whether you're new to 3ds Max or an experienced user, you'll find everything you need in this complete resource. The book kicks off with a getting started section, so beginners can jump in and begin working with 3ds Max right away. Experienced 3ds Max users will appreciate advanced coverage of features like crowd simulation, particle systems, radiosity, MAXScript and more. Over 150 tutorials – complete with before and after files – help users at all levels build real world skills.

What is Autodesk 3ds Max?

Autodesk 3ds Max is a popular 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing software widely used by game developers and graphic designers in the film and television industry.

Create characters, add special effects, and finish with dynamic animations such as hair and cloth

Get comfortable with key tools such as Track View, Quicksilver, mental ray®, Space Warps, MassFX and more

Who this book is for

This comprehensive reference guide not only serves as a reference for experienced users, but it also easily introduces beginners to this complex software. Packed with expert advice from popular author Kelly Murdock, it begins with a getting started section to get you up and running, then continues with more than 150 step-by-step tutorials, in depth coverage of advanced features, and plenty of tips and timesavers along the way.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Front Matter

Part I: Getting Started with Autodesk 3ds Max 2015

Exploring the Interface

Controlling and Configuring the Viewports

Working with Files, Importing and Exporting

Setting Preferences

Part II: Manipulating Objects

Creating and Editing Primitive Objects

Selecting Objects and Using Layers

Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping

Cloning Objects and Creating Object Arrays

Grouping, Linking and Parenting Objects

Organizing Scenes with Containers, XRefs and the Schematic View

Part III: Modeling 3D Assets

Accessing Subobjects and Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack

Drawing and Editing 2D Splines and Shapes

Modeling with Polygons

Using the Graphite Modeling Tools and Painting with Objects

Working with Compound Objects

Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers

Part IV: Applying Materials and Textures

Creating and Applying Standard Materials with the Slate Material Editor

Adding Material Details with Maps

Using Specialized Material Types

Creating Compound Materials and Using Material Modifiers

Creating Shaders in the ShaderFX Editor

Unwrapping UVs and Mapping Textures

Painting in the Viewport Canvas and Rendering Surface Maps

Creating Baked Textures and Normal Maps

Part V: Working with Backgrounds, Cameras and Lighting

Configuring and Aiming Cameras

Matching Perspective to Background Images

Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques

Using the Sunlight and Daylight Systems

Working with Advanced Lighting, Light Tracing, and Radiosity

Part VI: Rendering a Scene

Rendering a Scene and Enabling Quicksilver

Managing Render States

Batch and Network Rendering

Rendering with mental ray and iray

Compositing with Render Elements and the Video Post Interface

Part VII: Animating Objects and Scenes

Understanding Animation and Keyframes

Animating with Constraints and Simple Controllers

Exploring the Complex Controllers

Using Animation Layers and Animation Modifiers

Wiring Parameters

Editing Animation Curves in the Track View

Part VIII: Working with Characters

Understanding Rigging, Kinematics and Working with Bones

Skinning Characters

Animating Characters with CAT

Creating Animated Crowds with Populate

Part IX: Adding Special Effects

Creating Particles and Particle Flow

Using Space Warps

Using Atmospheric and Render Effects

Creating Volume Light Effects

Adding Lens Effects

Part X: Using Dynamic Animation Systems

Simulating Physics-Based Motion with MassFX

Working with Hair and Cloth

Part XI: Extending 3ds Max

Customizing the Interface

Automating with MAXScript

Expanding Max with Third-Party Plug-Ins

Appendixes

Appendix A: What's New with Autodesk 3ds Max 2015

Appendix B: Installing and Configuring Autodesk 3ds Max 2015

Appendix C: Keyboard Shortcuts

Index

Software

Customers who want to learn Autodesk 3ds Max and do not have a license to use the software may be eligible for a free three year trial license. For more information please visit Autodesk's Website.